How to Sponsor Parents in UAE?

In this article, we cover how you can sponsor or get your family visa in Dubai.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that offers a high standard of living and a range of benefits for families. It is known for being one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate is low, and it has strong laws and regulations. This makes it an excellent place for families to live, with peace of mind and a sense of security.

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with over 210 nationalities living and working in the city. This provides a unique opportunity for families to experience and learn about different cultures, languages, and traditions. In addition, it has a range of high-quality educational institutions offering international curriculums. Many of these schools are ranked highly in global education rankings, providing children with a strong foundation for their future.

The UAE is known for its family-friendly attractions, such as museums, world-class aquariums, and theme parks. In addition, various outdoor activities are available, such as beaches, parks, and desert safaris, which offer an excellent way for families to spend time together.

Who can sponsor family in UAE

In the UAE, the ability to sponsor family members depends on the resident’s visa type and citizenship status. UAE nationals can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents without restrictions. For expatriate residents, the primary visa holders can sponsor their immediate family members. 

Those on employment visas, including Dubai mainland and free zone visas, can sponsor their spouse and children. UAE golden visa holders, investors, entrepreneurs, and certain specialized professionals can also sponsor their families. However, specific eligibility criteria like minimum income levels, accommodation requirements, and approval from relevant authorities must be met. 

The sponsorship process involves applying for family entry permits, residence visas (spouse visa, child visa, parents visa), undergoing medical tests, and submitting necessary documents like marriage certificates and birth certificates. Careful planning and adhering to regulations are crucial for successful family sponsorship in the UAE.

Requirements for sponsoring family in Dubai

Citizenship/Residency Status

To sponsor parents in the UAE, the primary requirement is to be a UAE citizen or a resident holding a valid residence visa (UAE visa). UAE golden visa holders are also eligible.

Financial Requirements

Additionally, sponsors must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their parents, typically by providing proof of a minimum monthly income and suitable accommodation. This may include having a trade license or being employed in a free zone.

Documentation

Sponsors must also submit a range of documents (required documents), including their own and their parents’ passports, marriage certificate, birth certificates, and potentially other supporting documents as requested by the authorities or the UAE ministry of foreign affairs.

UAE golden visa holders and residents in dubai mainland can sponsor their families through the dubai family visa process. Applicants require an original emirates id, supporting documents, and must meet income criteria to obtain the uae family visa for their dependents.

The Process to Sponsor Your Family Visa in Dubai

To sponsor your family in Dubai , you must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow the application process set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. Here are the general steps that you must follow:

• To sponsor your family in Dubai, you must have a valid UAE residence visa and a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus accommodation). You should also have a residence for your family members.
• You can apply for family sponsorship through the GDRFA website or a registered typing center. You will need to provide your and your family members’ passport, attested marriage certificate (for spouse), attested birth certificate (for children), salary certificate, and proof of accommodation such as Ejari or title deed to a property.
• Several fees are associated with family sponsorship in Dubai, including application fees, residency visa fees, and deposit fees. You will need to pay these fees online or at a typing center.
• After submitting your application and paying the fees, you must wait for approval from the GDRFA. This timeframe can vary greatly, and you may be asked to provide additional documentation or attend an interview.
• Once your family sponsorship application is approved, you must collect the residency visas for your family members. This can be done at the GDRFA office or a registered typing center.

Special Cases

There is some flexibility when it comes to sponsoring relatives. However, we recommend that you use the services of a professional visa consultant in the below scenarios:

• Two wives – Under certain conditions established by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), a Muslim resident may sponsor two wives.
• Stepchildren – Expatriate resident can sponsor their stepchildren if they meet the GDRFA’s requirements, which involve submitting a deposit for each child and obtaining a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. The residence visas granted to the stepchildren are valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
• Adopted children – Expatriate residents can sponsor adopted children if they meet the GDRFA’s requirements, which involve submitting a deposit for each child and obtaining an attested adoption document. The residence visas granted to the adopted children are valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
• Parents – An expatriate worker can sponsor both parents for a one-year stay by submitting a deposit as security for each parent. An expatriate worker can’t sponsor only one parent. They must demonstrate that they are the sole supporter of their parents and that no one is available to care for them in their home country. If one of the parents has passed away or is divorced, the sponsoring expatriate worker must provide supporting official documentation to justify sponsoring only one parent. To sponsor their parents, the employed expatriate resident must have a salary equal to or exceeding the minimum amount set by the immigration department and secure a medical insurance policy for each parent, which must be renewed annually.
• A foreign widow or divorced mother of an Emirati child – She can obtain a residence visa without being required to work in the United Arab Emirates. In such situations, the woman’s oldest child will act as the sponsor.

Costs Involved

Visa Fees

Sponsoring parents in the UAE involves various costs, including visa fees for the family visa or parents visa, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dirhams, depending on the duration of the residence visa and the Emirates’ specific regulations.

Medical Test Costs

Additionally, all sponsored individuals must undergo medical fitness tests approved by the Dubai health authority or other relevant authorities, which can cost a few hundred dirhams.

Other Potential Expenses

It’s essential to factor in potential travel and accommodation costs for the parents, as well as settling-in expenses.

Rights and Responsibilities

Sponsor’s Obligations

As a sponsor, you assume certain obligations towards your sponsored parents (family members). You are responsible for their well-being, including providing adequate accommodation, financial support, and ensuring they comply with the UAE’s laws and regulations. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities can result in legal consequences, including fines or even the cancellation of the residence visa.

Healthcare Coverage

Sponsored parents are eligible for healthcare coverage under the UAE’s mandatory health insurance system, with the sponsor bearing the costs.

Residence Visa Renewal

It’s crucial to keep track of the residence visa renewal process and ensure timely renewals to maintain legal residency status for your sponsored parents.

Tips and Considerations:

Planning in Advance

Sponsoring parents in the UAE requires careful planning and preparation. It’s advisable to initiate the process well in advance, as the application and approval procedures can be time-consuming, especially if dealing with the UAE embassy or visa services.

Professional Assistance

Seeking professional assistance from immigration consultants or law firms can be beneficial, especially for complex cases or specific requirements related to the Dubai visa, Abu Dhabi visa, or other Emirates.

Managing Expectations

Managing expectations and cultural differences is also essential, as sponsored parents may face challenges adapting to a new environment. Providing them with adequate support and resources can facilitate a smoother transition.

Support Resources

Various support services and community organizations are available to assist sponsors and sponsored parents in navigating the process and addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.

By understanding the eligibility criteria, costs involved, rights and responsibilities, and considering practical tips, expatriate families in the UAE can successfully navigate the process of sponsoring their parents and enjoy the benefits of having them in close proximity. This may involve obtaining an entry permit, spouse visa, dependent visa, or other relevant visas based on the specific situation and requirements.

Start the Residence Visa Process for Your Family!

Dubai’s economy is strong and growing, with ample opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. This attracts many families seeking to improve their financial prospects and provide their children with a secure and stable future.

People bring their families to Dubai due to the city’s excellent quality of life, world-class facilities, multicultural society, and government support for public services. These factors create a welcoming and secure environment for families to live and thrive in.

If you have any questions about sponsoring your family, contact one of our seasoned consultants who can provide valuable information today!

You might be interested to know more about Family Office in Dubai UAE and Complete Guide to Dubai Long Term Visa / Golden Visa .